Snowmobiling Out-Performs Most Outdoor Recreation Sectors
I recently attended a snowmobile show in the Western United States. The
high level of enthusiasm and the big crowd was great to see. The show promoters,
dealers, and manufacturers were all up beat as the show closed early Sunday
evening and they announced record crowds and "THEY WERE SPENDING
MONEY!!!". I left the show thinking that with a little help from
Mother Nature this is certainly going to be a great winter season. The
next day, I received a call from the Big East Show in New York. Wow, they
reported record crowds and "THEY WERE SPENDING MONEY!!!" I then
sat down and reviewed the latest Roper Report, conducted for the American
Recreation Coalition and I was pleased with some of the report, but not all the
news was positive.
The American Recreation Coalition is a 30-year old Coalition representing
virtually all recreation interests in the United States. The snowmobile
manufacturers are sustaining members of the organization, which promotes outdoor
recreation to those in Washington DC and elsewhere. Semi-annually, they
contract with an internationally recognized research firm, the Roper Group, to
conduct a survey to help determine recreation trends in the United States.
The Roper Report highlights are:
Approximately 90% of all Americans participated in an outdoor recreational
activity over the last 12 months. Roper tracks 27 outdoor recreation
activities including snowmobiling and most Americans participate in at least 5
of those activities every year. The outdoor activities include walking,
swimming, hiking, golfing, hunting, RV Camping, horseback riding, motorcycle
riding, mountain bike riding, water skiing, sailing, snowboarding and
snowmobiling and more. The survey results present a very inclusive picture
of outdoor recreation in the United States.
The year 2003 shows the continuation of the pattern of a decreasing
participation in outdoor recreation overall. Out of the 37 recreational
activities, 21 of them showed a decline in participation while one activity
showed a substantial increase. The one activity showing a big increase is
driving your automobile for pleasure. The largest single drop was realized
in hiking and wildlife viewing. From 2001 to 2003 hiking and wildlife
viewing activities have decreased by 6% annually. Snowmobiling overall
continues to grow with a slight increase in the level of activity in 2003
compared to 2001. Heck, with the lousy snowfall we've had (not counting
the Northeast which had record snow) we're doing pretty good as an outdoor
recreation category.
One of the reasons cited most often for the overall decline in outdoor
recreational activity comes from concerns about travel arising from the events
of September 11, 2001 and the leisure time opportunities offered by the internet
and additional offerings by Cable and Satellite Television Channels. Many
of our neighbors are couch potatoes; hence the high obesity rates in the US.
The drop in some outdoor recreation activities is noteworthy among young adults.
Those aged 18-29 are now less likely to be outdoor recreationists than any other
single group of Americans. Babyboomers are much more active with outdoor
recreational activities than their children. Believe it or not, the survey
shows that 4 in 10 young adults are likely to never engage in an outdoor
recreation activity.
This latest survey forecasts a continuing growth of young Americans ownership
and use of electronic communications and home leisure options.
This decline in participation in recreation activities by young adults should be
bothersome to the recreation community. Outdoor recreation improves
overall happiness, family unity, health and serves as a deterrent to crime and
substance abuse.
Most Americans view Federal Lands as a great place to recreate. 55% of all
recreationists report that they do visit areas managed by a Federal agency.
Americans and our international guests continue, however, to be unable to
accurately recognize the roles of the various federal agencies and the rules and
regulations they impose on us. Most Americans do not know that the US
Forests are managed by the Department of Agriculture nor do they; recognize the
differences between the Department of Interior National Park rules and rules
established by the same agency for our vast BLM lands. Most Americans are
willing to pay higher fees for the use of our public lands.
Volunteerism interest is higher among outdoor recreationists than the general
population. Those of us involved in organized snowmobiling are active
volunteers and we all take a personal interest in being a volunteer improving
our public lands. Overall interest in volunteerism in the United States
has declined over the last few years and may reflect a cynicism that has been
bread by stories about the United Way and the American Red Cross.
Again, the above points are some study highlights taken from the most recent
outdoor recreation study. I believe all of us understand the challenges
that we are facing, especially with the 20-somethings and their level of
inactivity. We need to invite some of the young folks to go snowmobiling.
I'm convinced that once they sit in the saddle of a fabulous snow-machine, we've
got em off the couch forever! Snowmobiling is fun, it's exciting and yes,
it's close to being addictive. The enthusiasm for snowmobiling is as high
today as ever simply because of the great family recreation it provides.
Snowmobile activity is increasing, while other forms of recreation are
declining. Virtually all shows and activities this fall leading up to the
2003-04 season are reporting record attendance levels and we are all looking
forward to a great winter season.
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